Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The B.F. Goodrich Company developed this helmet from the Mark IV full pressure suit for the US Navy in the 1950s. The U.S. Air Force also authorized production of the Mark IV for squadrons stationed in colder areas. It was tested to altitudes of 139,000 ft. and demonstrated its ability to overcome the problems associated with safety during emergency ejection, immobility and manual pressurization. The helmet moved with the head via restraints, which allowed up/down mobility for improved visibility. It was a very successful design, and was modified later to become the spacesuit worn by the Mercury astronauts.

NASA transferred this helmet with other early human spaceflight test articles to the museum.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear Manufacturer B. F. Goodrich Co.
 Dimensions 3-D: 25.4 x 25.4 x 24.1cm (10 x 10 x 9 1/2 in.)
 Materials Polycarbonate, Plastic, Aluminum, Leather, Rubber/Neoprene, Cadmium Plating, Goat skin, Nylon, Steel, Paint, Foam, Natural rubber
 Inventory Number A19730864001 Credit Line Transferred from NASA - Manned Spacecraft Center Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.